Sambalpur: Incomplete Work of ‘Aama Hospital’ in District Headquarters Hospital Reveals Incompetence of Works Department

Sambalpur: The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) inaugurated the ‘Aama Hospital’ at the District Main Hospital last January. The inauguration was rushed due to elections, even though the work was not finished. However, the crucial construction is still incomplete. The CDMO has complained that contractors and officials are not present at the site and has written to the District Collector about this issue. Despite repeated requests for immediate completion, the Works Department has not responded.

The construction of ‘Aama Hospital,’ costing ₹6.5 crore, was supposed to be finished by last September. However, due to delays, the deadline was extended to December. Even then, the work was not completed. The Works Department promised to finish the work by January 20th for a January 26th inauguration. As a result, only superficial tasks like painting and installing lights and fans were done hastily. After the inauguration, these temporary fixtures were removed, and the construction stalled again.

Tiles on the walls are now coming loose, and many tiles on the floor are left incomplete and could easily come off with a little water. There are numerous construction irregularities, leading to one problem after another. Near the emergency department, several wall tiles have broken. Tiles in the corridor leading to the surgery ward and on the upper floor have also come off. Some attempts have been made to hide these defects with cement, but water is seeping everywhere due to the rain, hindering healthcare services.

The District Collector has also urged the Works Department to expedite the work. However, the officials’ incompetence has left the project half-completed. The CDMO has expressed frustration, stating that the deadline for completing ‘Aama Hospital’ was last December, but five months have passed, and more than 50% of the work remains unfinished. Only superficial work on the exterior shed and desks was rushed for the inauguration by the Chief Minister. There has been no progress since then, forcing the CDMO to write a letter. Despite attempts to contact the Executive Engineer of the Works Department, Manas Ranjan Sethi, there has been no response.